NearVision CKŪ is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that involves no cutting of your cornea. And it's performed using the ViewPointŪ CKŪ System, the only FDA-approved technology for the temporary improvement of near vision. This makes it an ideal procedure for people over 40, for whom safety is often the most important factor in their decision to undergo a vision correction procedure.

How NearVision CKŪ works

NearVision CKŪ (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a quick procedure with no cutting involved. You don't even have to go to an outpatient surgery center. In just three minutes, a doctor can perform NearVision CK in his or her office.

The Procedure

Using radiofrequency (RF) energy, NearVision CKŪ can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to make it steeper. After the doctor has applied a topical anesthetic (eye drops), controlled RF energy is applied in a circular pattern to shrink the corneal tissue. This pattern is applied in the periphery of your cornea and therefore minimizes interference with your line of sight (i.e., pupil). A device called a "speculum" holds your eye open during the procedure.

Once finished, you don't have to wear a patch and can usually return to work or normal activities the next day. Vision generally begins improving in about a week's time. As with other procedures, the level of improved vision may be temporary. While NearVision CKŪ can turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.

NearVision CKŪ can also help patients with farsightedness, or hyperopia, a condition in which the eye is too flat. CKŪ modifies the topographical (surface) curvature, making it steeper and therefore improving vision.

Risks and Complications

NearVision CKŪ is associated with a nominal amount of surgery-related complications. Some people who have had CK have experienced side effects that have impaired their vision for a few days after the procedure. Although these risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration by anyone considering the NearVision CKŪ procedure. Some side effects include:

Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation
Glare
Halos
Overcorrection
Tearing

Are You A Good Candidate for CKŪ?

CKŪ is indicated for the temporary improvement of near vision in one eye. It is temporary because the amount of correction diminishes over time. However, some patients retain some or all of their CKŪ correction.

If you are considering CKŪ, you must:

Be at least 40 years of age.
Have healthy eyes with no eye disease, corneal abnormality or previous corneal or refractive surgery.
Have presbyopia symptoms that require a refractive correction of up to -2.00 diopters to achieve acceptable near vision.
Have a stable refraction for one year prior to the preoperative examination (no more than 0.50 diopter change).
Be able to lie flat without difficulty.
Be able to maintain steady fixation during the procedure.
Be able to tolerate eye drops to numb your eye.
Be informed of CKŪ risks and benefits.
Be willing to sign an Informed Consent Form, if requested by your eye care professional.
Discuss payment options with your doctor’s office since CKŪ is not covered under most health insurance plans.
Have successfully completed a monovision trial using spectacles or contact lenses. It is important that you follow your doctor’s suggestions for adaptation to monovision during this trial period. You should discuss any concerns that you may have during the adaptation period.